12 places to stop along the free Great Los Angeles Walk

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The Great Los Angeles Walk returns Nov. 18 with about 400 people expected to trek from downtown L.A. to Santa Monica. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the notable spots to see along the way. Photo courtesy Great Los Angeles Walk.

For the past 12 years on the weekend before Thanksgiving, Michael Schneider goes on a walk with a few friends.

But this isn’t just a little stroll through his neighborhood. And he’s joined by more than just a few friends.

The Glendale resident is the organizer of The Great Los Angeles Walk, an annual event where hundreds of people gather at a spot in downtown L.A just to go for a walk through their city, albeit a very long walk.

“I think a lot of it is this sense of community. For one day, you’re walking with a bunch of strangers, but you’re all sort of in it together and you’re doing something unique and different,” said Schneider, reflecting on the appeal of the event.

Each year, the walk begins from a different spot downtown and heads down a chosen street all the way to the beach in Santa Monica.

This year the 12th annual walk is a 17-mile trek that starts at 9 a.m from the courtyard of the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.

From there, about 400 walkers will head down First Street through downtown until it turns into Beverly Boulevard.

They’ll walk through neighborhoods like Rampart Village, Koreatown, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills where the walk then switches to Santa Monica Boulevard all the way to the ocean.

The event is free and there really are no rules. Just show up at the start, walk at your own pace and stop whenever and wherever you want.

There will be a lot to see during this long walk, so to mark 12 years of the Great Walk, here are a dozen places you’ll want to check out as you stroll to the ocean.

Sister Cities sign for a selfie, First and Main streets.

This corner is your first stop for a cool selfie just below the Sister Cities sign, which points to the direction of each of our more than two dozen Sister Cities around the world.

Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave.

Remember, there are really no rules so there’s no reason you can’t divert from the path right away and instead of walking on the sidewalk on First Street, hang a right on Spring Street and walk through Grand Park all the way up to Grand Avenue.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave.

If you’ve never stopped and taken in this architectural gem, located at the corner of First and Grand streets, you really need to take the time to admire one of the city’s defining buildings.

Vista Hermosa Natural Park, 100 N Toluca St.

Forget about conserving your energy, because you need to check out this hidden park right in the middle of town. Go up the trail and find the bench that overlooks the downtown skyline and take a selfie.

Blumhouse Productions, 2401 Beverly Blvd.

See that innocent looking building just past Park View Street? Well, that’s Blumhouse Productions, the horror company that scared you with films like “Insidious,” “Paranormal Activity,” and “The Purge.”

Original Tommy’s, 2575 Beverly Blvd

You have now walked about three miles and you still have a long way to go. But still, it’s time to reward yourself for burning all those calories with a double cheeseburger, fries and milkshake because you have arrived at the original Tommy’s location.

Participants of The Great Los Angeles Walk will pass by the Original Tommy’s on their way to Santa Monica. Photo courtesy Great Los Angeles Walk

Valerie Confections, 3364 W First St.

You’ll want to make a slight left on First Street and stop to get a few gourmet chocolates for the road at this popular shop.

Valerie Confections will be one of the many spots where people can stop for a break during the Great Los Angeles Walk Nov.18. Photo courtesy Great Walk

Petty Cash, 7360 Beverly Blvd.

If it’s been a while since you’ve eaten, you’ll find some of the best tacos in L.A here. Think of this place as street food with fancier ingredients. And don’t worry, they take plastic.

Original Farmer’s Market, 6333 W Third St.

Take a right at Fairfax and go on a little detour to the Original Farmer’s Market. Here you can shop, get coffee or take a much-needed rest at the outdoor bar.

Nuart Theatre, 11272 Santa Monica Blvd.

You’re now on the home stretch on Santa Monica Boulevard and once you go under the 405, take a moment to check out the 1929 classic art house theater.

You can also come back that same night for the weekly midnight showing of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Surplus Records, 12436 Santa Monica Blvd.

Take vinyl break and browse through used and new vinyl at this indie record store.

The Britannia Pub, 318 Santa Monica Blvd.

You’re just a couple of blocks from the beach. Stop and celebrate with a well-deserved drink at this British pub.

It’s a locals hangout and people love to chat it up here so tell everyone about your great walk through L.A.

The Great Los Angeles Walk

When: Starts at 9 a.m. Nov. 18.

Where: Meet at Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave, Los Angeles.